Releases

Smith, 23, leads all Griffins defensemen and is tied for fifth overall on the club with 32 points (10-22—32) in 47 games, while his plus-seven rating ties for fourth on the team. The second-year standout ranks among the AHL’s top blueliners in several categories, including points (T5th), goals (6th), game-winning goals (4, 1st), shorthanded goals (2, T1st), shorthanded assists (2, T1st), shorthanded points (4, 1st) and shootout goals (3, T1st).

Detroit’s first choice (27th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Smith made his NHL debut with the Red Wings on Nov. 17 at San Jose and has appeared in three games with the parent club, recording two assists and four penalty minutes. He will be available to play on Tuesday when Detroit visits Columbus for a 7 p.m. faceoff.

Grand Rapids, winner of three straight games, will conclude a busy home stretch this weekend by hosting the Rochester Americans on Friday and the AHL-leading Oklahoma City Barons on Saturday. Both games are at 7 p.m., and tickets are available at griffinshockey.com.